The cultural landscape for LGBTQ rights has seen significant shifts in recent years, with prominent figures like Laverne Cox and Munroe Bergdorf at the forefront of the conversation. In a recent interview for Attitude Uncutthese two influential activists delve into the escalating attacks on LGBTQ rights and the broader implications for society.
Cox, renowned for her roles in Orange Is the New Black and Promising Young Womanis featured on the latest cover of Attitude Uncutavailable now on Apple News+ and the Attitude app. Her upcoming book, Transcendentis set to release on 9 June 2026 in the US and 25 June 2026 in the UK.
Cox on the Cultural Shift and the Targeting of Trans Rights
Cox reflects on the pivotal moment when the cultural tide began to turn against LGBTQ rights. “I knew we lost the culture after the Dylan Mulvaney/Bud Light moment,” she notes, referring to the backlash against Bud Light’s partnership with Mulvaney. This incident was followed by attacks on Target for selling Pride merchandise, and a wave of legislation banning gender-affirming care for young people and excluding trans girls from sports.
“It’s always been about scapegoating trans people and eradicating us from public life,” Cox asserts. She highlights the hypocrisy of politicians who claim to protect women and girls but fail to address critical issues like the Epstein case or gun violence. “Here in America, we have a whole treasure trove of files on Epstein and survivors demanding justice, and they don’t even want to investigate,” she points out. “It’s never been about protecting children because they would do something about guns.”
Bergdorf on the Broader Implications for Human Rights
Bergdorf adds her perspective on the broader implications of the current attacks on trans rights. “One of the most disheartening things about this moment is how wilfully people have gone along with it,” she says. She emphasizes that trans people are often the canary in the coal minewarning of broader threats to human rights. “Trans people are the permission slip to go on an assault on everyone’s rights,” Bergdorf explains, noting that the community has long been warning about the wider implications of anti-trans legislation.
“This should be a red flag,” Bergdorf continues. “If they’re anti-trans rights and they’re anti-humanity – whether it’s a community leader, a politician, or a news network – this entity cannot be for humanity and for the good of the people if they are willing to discriminate against anyone.” She laments that many people fail to heed these warnings, making it challenging to keep up with the rapidly changing landscape.
The Role of Attitude Uncut in Amplifying LGBTQ Voices
Attitude Uncuta digital-first publication, provides a platform for in-depth discussions on issues resonating within the LGBTQ+ community. Published six times a year between print issues of Attitudethe magazine is available exclusively on Apple News+ and via the Attitude app. Each issue features long-read journalism on topics ranging from sexuality and identity to health and relationships.
In this latest issue, Cox and Bergdorf offer a candid and illuminating discussion on the current state of LGBTQ rights, providing valuable insights into the challenges and the ongoing fight for equality. Their conversation serves as a reminder of the importance of amplifying LGBTQ voices and the need for continued advocacy in the face of escalating attacks.
